A shooting erupted at the Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday evening, leaving two people dead and at least five others injured, according to local authorities. The attack turned a festive gathering into a scene of panic as thousands of attendees fled or hid beneath stalls. Police have arrested one suspect and are actively searching for a second individual believed to have been involved.
The gunfire began around 6 p.m. local time at the Seattle Center, a sprawling entertainment complex in the heart of the city. Witnesses reported hearing a series of loud bangs followed by rapid shots. A journalist from the Seattle Times, who was on the south side of the Climate Pledge Arena, described hearing multiple explosions and then a quick succession of shots. One witness told local media: “It was total chaos.”
Among the victims, one is reported to be a very young child, according to authorities. The exact conditions of the injured have not been disclosed, but local hospitals were placed on alert. The injured include a two-year-old girl, according to some reports, though officials have not confirmed all details. Mayor Katie Wilson confirmed that a suspect had been taken into custody. Earlier reports had indicated two people were detained, but police later clarified that only one person is in custody while they continue to search for another individual linked to the shooting.
Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson expressed his condolences, saying: “My prayers go out to the families of the victims and to the first responders working to keep people safe.” The governor has offered state resources to assist the investigation. The Seattle Police Department has not yet released a motive or identified the suspects.
The Bite of Seattle is one of the city’s most popular annual events, drawing large crowds to the Seattle Center for food, music, and entertainment. Last year’s edition, held from July 25 to 27, attracted 282,000 visitors, according to the Seattle Center’s impact report. This year’s event was similarly well attended when the shooting occurred.
The Seattle Center, built for the 1962 World’s Fair, is a major cultural and recreational hub. It is home to iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle, the Pacific Science Center, the Climate Pledge Arena, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and McCaw Hall, which hosts the Seattle Opera and the Pacific Northwest Ballet. In response to the tragedy, the Pacific Science Center announced it would remain closed on Monday, cancelling all general admissions and performances.
The shooting has reignited concerns about public safety at large gatherings in the United States. The Bite of Seattle festival, which had been running since Friday, was abruptly cut short. Organizers have not yet announced whether future events will be affected. The investigation is ongoing, and police have urged anyone with information to come forward.